Donald Trump has fired fresh criticism at Vladimir Putin, saying he’s “playing with fire” amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine. This comes after a recent airstrike by Russia on Kyiv, which resulted in civilian casualties.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, "If it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia." He hinted at considering new sanctions against Russia, a shift from his previously more lenient tone towards Putin. Trump mentioned he was "absolutely" thinking about increasing sanctions, and the White House echoed that “all options” are on the table.
Historically, Trump has admired Putin, often avoiding harsh criticism. However, his frustration has grown over stalled peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. The recent drone attacks by Russia, which killed at least 13 people, seem to have intensified his stance.
In contrast, the Biden administration has imposed significant sanctions since Russia invaded Ukraine. Even some Republican senators have urged Trump to take a firmer approach, suggesting heavier sanctions on nations trading with Russia.
It’s worth noting that public opinion is shifting. Recent polls show that Americans increasingly support more stringent actions against Russia, reflecting a broader outrage over the humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing conflict. As the situation evolves, many are curious to see how Trump’s approach will continue to change and how it will impact future interactions with Russia.
For further insight into the implications of these sanctions, check out this report by the Council on Foreign Relations.